Abstract
Sheep and goats in Ethiopia contribute substantially to the national economy and food security; however, pre-weaning health problems and mortality in lambs and kids significantly reduce productivity. A prospective cohort study was conducted from November 2023 to June 2024 in three localities of central Ethiopia to estimate the incidence rate of lambs and kids. A total of 306 lambs and kids up to six months of age were followed using a syndrome-based health assessment. Time-to-event analyses were employed. The overall morbidity incidence was 0.91 cases per 100 animal-days at risk, with rates of 0.97 and 0.86 for lambs and kids, respectively. Mortality incidence was 0.59 cases per 100 animal-days at risk, with 0.63 and 0.56 for lambs and kids, respectively. Birth season was a major risk factor: animals born during the wet season had more than twice the hazard of morbidity (HR = 2.29; 95% CI: 1.67-3.14) and over three times higher mortality risk (HR = 3.59; 95% CI: 2.33-5.55) compared to those born in the dry season. The owner's knowledge of colostrum feeding showed a strong protective effect against both morbidity and mortality. Good farm hygiene reduced morbidity hazard by 44% (HR = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.33-0.96) and mortality risk by 71% (HR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.16-0.52). Additionally, timing and method of colostrum provision significantly influenced survival. Improving peripartum care through timely colostrum feeding, farmer awareness, and enhanced hygiene practices is critical to improving the survival and productivity of small ruminants.